Since I had the Inverter changed for a brand new one imported from Japan around 6 months ago, I have changed my driving style. Where as before I would turn my engine off  if I stopped for lunch in a layby. Now I don't, sometimes parked up for 10 - 15 minutes. I hear what sounds like a fan, ( cooling the Inverter  perhaps ) Then when I drive off, I put it in drive and away I go, less stress on the engine ? or is one supposed to drive a hybrid like that ?

I always leave my engine running during tea/lunch break stops, mainly because I'm using using the microwave or induction hob.

I'm now wondering if it's the reason I'm now having hybrid problems.....

Michael, When you say "engine off", do you mean ignition off as opposed to combustion engine off?

Sorry, I meant Ignition off

My view would be that when you have ignition on all the ECUs are consuming power and much of it is wasted as heat hence a fan will come on consuming even more energy.

 

OK, next to actually travelling it's not very much. Nonetheless, that consumed energy will need to be replaced by a higher charging current when your engine is running. So it simply costs you fuel that you might otherwise not burn.

 

I don't have a hybrid but I imagine when you move off you are just using the traction motor. I cannot imagine that what you are doing is reducing stress on the motor and therefore extending its life.